Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Thomaston-Upson Spelling Bee champion Krish Modi, an 8th grader at ULMS, won the District 6 Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 25, in Warner Robins. Krish will now represent District 6 and the Thomaston-Upson School System at the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) State Spelling Bee Championship on March 17 at Georgia State University. Krish prevailed through 18 rounds at the District 6 Bee, where he correctly spelled the words langlauf, samovar, diphthong, chary, contrapuntal, ubiquitous, and recidivist, among others.

THE
UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS LAUNCHING A NEW
PROGRAM CALLED OPERATION LIFE-SAVER. SGT. NEIL SANDERS TOLD
THOMASTON KIWANIS TUESDAY THE S.O. ISSUES A WRIST BAND
RADIO TRANSMITTER TO FAMILIES FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS TO
WEAR THAT CAN TRACK THEM IF THEY GO MISSING.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

SPALDING
COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS ARRESTED A HUSBAND FOR THE
ALLEGED MURDER OF HIS WIFE—50 YEAR OLD SANDY CHERRY—OF
PINE GLEN MOBILE HOME PARK ON NORTH MCDONOUGH ROAD —WHO DID
NOT SHOW-UP FOR A CAR POOL TO WORK—THURSDAY MORNING.

AT
9;45AM--THE SUSPECT—50 YEAR OLD EARL CHERRY REFUSED TO
ALLOW DEPUTIES TO ENTER AND SPEAK WITH HER—BUT BASED ON
CONFLICTING STORIES THEY SEARCHED THE RESIDENCE AND FOUND A
LARGE CRIME SCENE AND FOUND MS. CHERRY DECEASED.

Friday, February 17, 2017

On Thursday evening, February 16, 2017, members of the Narcotics Task Force (NTF) with the assistance of TPD officers executed a search warrant for Narcotics at 465 N Main St., Thomaston, Georgia. During the execution of the warrant the following items were found and seized as evidence:

Two separate bags containing a total of 23 individual baggies packaged with crack cocaine, a third bag containing two small slabs of crack cocaine, an AK47 pistol with 3 magazines and one 100 round drum magazine along with ammo. A Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver with laser light and ammo, 5 digital scales, additional supplies used to cook crack and packaging material. The Cocaine seized had an estimated street value of $1,100.

Quincy L. JOHNSON of Thomaston, Georgia was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple felony drug and weapon charges and criminal gang activity. JOHNSON is being held at the Upson County jail. The investigation is still on going and additional charges may follow. “I’m very pleased with the results of the investigation thus far, removing guns from the hands of criminals and getting them off the streets is a huge success.”

ACCORDING TO GRIFFIN CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER—MICHAEL DEWAYNE BOWMAN HAS ACCEPTED A SENTENCE OF LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE PLUS 30 YEARS TO SERVE -- FOR THE MURDER OF CITY OF GRIFFIN POLICE OFFICER KEVIN JORDAN.
THE STATE HAD BEEN SEEKING THE DEATH PENALTY.

D.A. COKER TOLD ZOOM NEWS HE APPROACHED BOWMAN'S DEFENSE ATTORNEYS WITH THE SENTENCE OFFER-- THURSDAY AFTERNOON AFTER THE JURY RETURNED A VERDICT OF GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL-- ON THE MURDER COUNTS AT THE TROUP COUNTY COURTHOUSE. PRESIDING JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS SENTENCED BOWMAN, AGE 31 , IN COURT FRIDAY MORNING.

OFFICER JORDAN'S FAMILY AGREED WITH THE SENTENCE -- THE D.A. TOLD US.

AND HE WENT ON TO SAY THE SENTENCE SHOULD GIVE OFFICER JORDAN'S FAMILY SOME CLOSURE.

PROSECUTOR COKER STATED-- THE VERDICT WAS NOT WHAT HIS OFFICE HOPED-FOR BUT AFTER REVIEWING THE VERDICT AND SPEAKING WITH JURORS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THEY WERE NOT GOING TO RETURN A DEATH PENALTY SENTENCE.

BOWMAN'S GIRL FRIEND CHANTELL MIXON IS ALSO CHARGED WITH MURDER IN THE SHOOTING DEATH OF OFFICER JORDAN.

D.A. COKER INDICATED MIXON WILL BE ON THE COURT DOCKET FOR TRIAL LATER THIS YEAR IN SPALDING COUNTY, BUT IT WILL NOT BE A DEATH PENALTY CASE.

ACCORDING TO TESTIMONY IN THE TWO WEEK TRIAL—MIXON WAS CREATING A DISTURBANCE AT THE WAFFLE HOUSE IN GRIFFIN WHEN OFFICER JORDAN TRIED TO ARREST HER AND BOWMAN SHOT HIM IN THE BACK 5 TIMES.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

A
JURY IN TROUP COUNTY FOUND MICHAEL DEWAYNE BOWMAN GUILTY BUT
MENTALLY ILL , THURSDAY FOR THE MURDER OF CITY OF GRIFFIN
POLICE OFFICER KEVIN JORDAN.

THE
VERDICT WAS RETURNED AT THE TROUP COUNTY COURTHOUSE AFTER A
TWO WEEK TRIAL.

GRIFFIN
CIRCUIT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEN COKER TOLD ZOOM NEWS AFTER THE
VERDICT WAS READ—THAT THE VERDICT -- GUILTY BUT MENTALLY
ILL-- DOES NOT TAKE THE DEATH PENALTY OFF THE TABLE AND
THE SENTENCING PHASE WILL CONTINUE FRIDAY MORNING.

THE
JURY FOUND BOWMAN GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL OF THE MURDER
CHARGES AND THE OTHER MOST SERIOUS CHARGES IN COUNTS 1
-- 6, BUT HE WAS FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS 7 -12
INCLUDING POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A
CRIME.

D.A.
COKER SAID IT WAS NOT THE VERDICT HIS OFFICE HOPED FOR,
BUT THEY WILL PROCEED WITH THE SENTENCING PHASE THAT COULD
TAKE TWO DAYS TO COMPLETE.

THE
SENTENCING PHASE IS EXPECTED TO INVOLVE TESTIMONY FROM
OFFICER JORDAN'S FAMILY AND POSSIBLY HIS ASSOCIATES.

Thomaston, Georgia – An investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit resulted in the arrest of an Upson County man. On Monday, February 13, 2017, David Batchelor, age 45, was arrested at his residence, 825 West Moores Crossing Road, Thomaston, Georgia, by members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office. Batchelor is currently being held at the Upson County jail where he is charged with Distribution of Child Pornography.

The arrest of Batchelor was the result of a proactive investigation initiated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s CEACC Unit. The unit is the host agency for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that seeks to target those that possess and distribute illegal child abuse images.

Several electronic devices were seized from Batchelor during this investigation. The GBI’s CEACC Unit will conduct forensic analysis of the electronic devices belonging to Batchelor and more charges may be forthcoming.

Batchelor is currently employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation and serves as Executive Administrator of the Rays of Hope Child Care Facility.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with related information should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870.

Two Gordon State College police officers were recently recognized by their peers and honored at a reception hosted by the campus’ Rotaract Club.

Sgt. Lynn Ray was named Top Gun for her skills on the range. Officer Michael Sanders was named Officer of the Year.

“Sergeant Ray always dedicates her workday to smiling and serving others,” said GSC Police Chief Jeff Mason. “That role as a cop has always been her trademark. It is a leadership skill that she teaches by example.”

Mason noted that Ray’s shooting skills are exemplary.

“Her practice has paid off,” Mason said. “It was not an easy award to win, but she succeeded.”

Ray has been with the department for 16 years and was named Officer of the Year in 2014.

Officer Michael Sanders was named Officer of the Year for the second time by department supervisors.

“Officer Sanders came to us in 2013 to pursue a career in campus policing,” said Mason. “He was a great selection.”

Mason jokes that Sanders carries the nickname Bright and Shiny because his uniform is always neat and pressed, a nod to his 4 ½ years as a U.S. Marine. Sanders was also recognized for helping the department reach two major goals that were set in 2015.

“The first was to have a dedicated Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Instructor and to have a certified POST range instructor,” Mason said. “We have those now. Thank you Michael for neve

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

FOLLOWING
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TUESDAY—THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL
ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF CITY CLERK AND FINANCE OFFICER
CLINT CHASTAIN— EFFECTIVE FEB 17TH---WHO IS REPORTEDLY
TAKING A SIMILAR POSITION WITH HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

IN
OTHER ACTION THE COUNCIL APPOINTED GAIL HAMMOCK ASSISTANT
CITY CLERK—TO HANDLE THOSE DUTIES AND AUTHORIZED CITY
MANAGER RUSSELL THOMPSON TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO HIRE AN
INTERIM FINANCE OFFICER.

COUNCIL
MEMBERS DON GREATHOUSE AND RYAN TUCKER TOLD ZOOM
NEWS—WEDNESDAY--THE CITY CLERK/FINANCE OFFICER JOB IS TOO
DEMANDING FOR ONE PERSON—THEY WANT TO SEPERATE THE
POSITIONS—BUT IT WILL REQUIRE A CHANGE TO THE CITY
CHARTER.

Monday, February 6, 2017

UPSON
COUNTY SHERIFF DAN KILGORE SAID GOOD POLICE WORK LEAD TO
THE ARREST OF ONE ATLANTA MAN AFTER A BURGLARY AT SARINA'S
CHEVRON AT 19 NORTH AND DEL RAY ROAD 3AM SATURDAY MORNING—
AND A CHASE WITH SUSPECTS—TWO STILL ON THE RUN.

DEPUTIES
HAD PULLED-OVER A MOTORIST FOR DUI—ON 19 AND HEARD THE
SECURITY ALARM WHEN IT TRIGGERED AT THE CONVIENCE STORE.

DEPUTY
ZACK WALLS RUSHED TO THE STORE AND FOUND THE FRONT
GLASS DOOR BROKEN AND MECHANDISE SCATTERED IN THE PARKING LOT
LEADING TOWARD DEL RAY ROAD—SO HE PROCEEDED AND FOUND THE
CADILLAC AUTOMOBILE AND IT SPED AWAY FROM HIM.

THE
CAR TURNED BACK TOWARD THOMASTON ON 36 AND REACHED SPEEDS
OF ALMOST 120 MILES PER HOUR TRYING TO ELUDE THE LAW—AT
WHICH TIME THE S.O. CALLED OFF THE CHASE.

THE
DRIVER APPARENTLY SPOTTED A CITY OF THOMASTON POLICE
OFFICER NEAR OLD YATESVILLE ROAD—AND RAN OFF INTO A FIELD.

ONE
OF THE PASSENGERS GOT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND HE AND
THE DRIVER BAILED-OUT—WHILE IT WAS STILL MOVING AND FLED
THE SCENE.

A
PASSENGER IN THE BACK SEAT WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY—IDENTIFIED
AS LARRY JOHNSON , AGE 28, OF ATLANTA . FOUND INSDE
THE CAR—CARTONS OF CIGARETTES AND OTHER GOODS FROM THE
STOR, MARIJUANA , AND A BACK-PACK OF BURGLARY TOOLS.

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – February 3, 2017 – Dollar General (NYSE:DG) is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs throughout Georgia in 2017 as part of the company’s new store growth plan and the opening of a new state-of-the-art distribution center in Jackson. The creation of these new jobs are part of Dollar General’s overall fiscal 2017 growth plan in which the major discount retailer plans to add 1,000 stores and create approximately 10,000 new jobs in the states it serves.

“Dollar General looks forward to welcoming new employees who want to grow with us as we expand throughout the states we serve,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “These new jobs reflect the organization’s commitment to seize growth opportunities and further deliver Dollar General’s value proposition of everyday low prices on quality merchandise to customers in 1,000 new locations in 2017. Since joining Dollar General in 2008, I’ve had the privilege to see the company grow from approximately 72,000 employees to more than 130,000 anticipated employees by end of the 2017 fiscal year. It really is an exciting time to be a Dollar General employee.”

The creation of these approximate 10,000 new jobs will represent a roughly nine percent overall increase to its workforce and mark the largest one-year employee increase through organic store and distribution center growth in the company’s 78-year history.

As all hiring functions are managed online, candidates looking to join Dollar General must apply for all new positions online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

The Gordon State College Theatre season continues this month with August Wilson's riveting play Fences.

The play explores the hopes and dreams of Troy and Rose Maxon and their family in a rapidly changing 1950's America. The play, winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, was adapted for the screen and is currently in theatres starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Fences cast members include, LaTrez Anderson as Troy; Samantha Jackson as Rose; Ja’Michael Stephens as Cory Maxson; Trenton Riley as Gabriel Maxson; Joshua Lowery as Lyons Maxson and Demario Watkins as Jim Bono. Raynelle Maxson, Troy’s young daughter, is played by local actors Jada Warner, 11, from Pike County and G’Nasha Mahone, 9, from Lamar County.

The production is directed by Theater Professor Lisa Cesnik Ferguson. Professor Tony Pearson is the play’s scenic designer/lighting designer.

The play opens Wednesday, Feb. 15 and continues through Saturday each evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for each performance are available at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.

A Brunch and Show option is available for Sunday’s performance that includes Brunch, ticket to the play and transportation from Highlander Dining Hall to the Fine Arts Auditorium for $17 per person. Seating is limited so please call 678-359-5052 to make reservations.

PIKE
COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING A HEAD-ON COLLISION
INVOLVING TWO FEMALE DRIVERS-- EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ON
CONCORD ROAD -- THAT RESULTED IN ONE FATALITY AND THE OTHER
MOTORIST IN SERIOUS CONDITION.

MAJOR
DAVID NEAL TOLD ZOOM NEWS—THE FATALITY IS IDENTIFIED AS
22 YEAR OLD MACY MONS OF STRICKLAND ROAD AND THE OTHER
MOTORIST 31 YEAR OLD KAYLA BAILEY OF DUNN ROAD --WHO WAS
LIFE-FLIGHTED TO GRADY HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA REPORTEDLY WITH
SERIOUS INJURIES.

MAJOR
NEAL SAID THE 2014 DODGE DART MS. MONS WAS DRIVING CAUGHT
FIRE AFTER THE IMPACT—AND TWO MALE MOTORISTS CAME UPON THE
WRECK SCENE AND MANAGED TO FREE HER—BUT SHE DIED SHORTLY
AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

MS.
BAILEY WAS TRAPPED IN THE WRECKAGE OF THE 2012 ACURA AND
SHE WAS EXTRICATED BY THE PIKE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT .

MAJOR
NEAL SAID THE INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING BUT IT APPEARS ONE
OF THE MOTORISTS CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND CAUSED THE
WRECK SHORTLY AFTER 7AM—THURSDAY.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

(Thomaston) – Devastating tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and other severe weather events can strike with little to no warning in Upson County. These devastating effects can be seen most recently in the communities of southwest Georgia, as well as storm damage right here in our communities.Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from February 6 - 10, is the ideal time for residents and their families to prepare for the possibility of a disaster.

Throughout the week, each day will focus on a different severe weather threat faced by Georgians. Thoamston-Upson Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all residents to dedicate time to practicing emergency response procedures and learning how to deal with each potential disaster.

“Severe weather can be extremely dangerous, but by taking small steps to prepare, you can ensure that you and your family stay safe in the wake of a disaster, said Martha Anne McCarty, EMA Director. “I encourage our residents to implement safety measures at home and at work so they will be ready when severe weather strikes.”

Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 6, when Upson households are encouraged to purchase and program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to get prepared.

On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.

Another valuable tool for all residents is the Ready Georgia app. This free app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, provides mobile access to a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, visit our Facebook page, UpsonEmergencyManagementAgency,or contactvia email - EMA@upsoncountyga.org or call 706/741-1407